Safety attachment for control handles



July 13, 1965 R. e. KRAMER SAFETY ATTACHMENT FOR CONTROL HANDLES Filed Sept. 23, 1963 FIG. 7

INVENTOR ROY G. KRAMER BY W fig Wm ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,194,208 SAFETY ATTACHMENT FOR CONTROL HANDLES .Roy G. Kramer, 1342 Signal Drive, Pomona, Calif. Filed Sept. 23, 1963, Ser. No. 310,602 4 Claims. (U. 116-114) The present invention relates generally to a safety attachment adapted to be positioned upon control handles to provide notice and warning; more particularly, the invention relates to such a safety attachment which is .adaptedt-o be retained on control handles of various configurations and which is configurated to provide a warning to an operator by the sense of touch because of its configuration and manner of attachment to the control handle.

Various types of markers or warning devices have heretof-ore been used on particular control handles of control panels or consoles in electrical power stations for controlling power to various circuits, in order to provide notices and warnings regarding the status of equipment controlled by the respective control handles. A typical use of such markers or warning devices has been on control handles for electrical oil switches at power stations to provide a safety warning, such as that men are working on equipment in the electrical power circuit controlled by the switch, thereby warning an operator not to change the status of the control handle because lives would be endangered. Various types and configurations of control handles are normally found on such control panels, and markers and devices having special features and gadgets have been utilized to accommodate the respective types and shapes of handles. The various types of markers or safety devices have involved difficult problems in providing suitable safety devices for each type of handle, and in maintaining the various different types of devices in organized supply for ready availability for use on a particular type of handle at a particular time. Often, because of such difliculties or because of a lack of appropriate safety markers or devices, operators have provided paper warning markers for each particular use as the need arose, and have appropriately lettered the marker at the time. This is a relatively ineffective expedient, and requires the :time of an operator in preparing a marker and in securing it to a handle. A new marker must be prepared for each use, because such paper markers are generally discarded after use.

The present invention provides a new and improved safety attachment or device for providing notice andwarning regarding the status of equipment controlled by control handles. The attachment is configurated and adapted to serve its purpose on a wide variety of control handles of different configurations. The attachment is very effecfive for its purpose, although it is of very simplified construction. Its structural features adapt it to be retained on various types of handles in a loosely suspended manner, thereby providing a very distinctive feel to the operators sense of touch, which loose feel is a distinctive warning to the operator by the sense of touch alone. The configuration of the safety attachment also provides a characteristic feel to the sense of touch to provide Warning to the operator. The operator is instantly warnedby the loose feel and bythe configuration of the device that he has grasped an object other than the control handle itself, and is thuswarned. Of course, such warning is effective without visual Warning in such circumstances as in darkness or when an operator grasps a handle without looking at it. i p a The safety attachment of the invention bears a warning legend on a face panelgto provide a visual warning, in addition to the warning by sense of touch. Simplified means are provided on the safety attachment for suspendice ing it from an opening in a peg board for organized storage and ready availability for use.

The safety attachment of the invention comprises a panel portion adapted to cover the main portion of a control handle, an upper suspension portion in. the form of a curved upwardly tapering hanging bracket adapted to engage the upper portion of thecontrol handle, With laterally and downwardly extending portions spaced apart sufficiently to permit relatively free loose movement of the safety attachment device relative to the control handle, and a transverse holding plateor flange adapted to engage the rear or inside of the upper edge portion of the handle to assist in retaining the attachment on the handle. The above-mentioned means for suspending the device from a,

hole in a peg board is preferably a pin or projection which extends rearwardly from the upper suspension portion, and which is specially configurated to provide retaining force. A pair of transversely spaced pins preferably extend rearwardly from the panel portion and are adapted to extend on opposite sides of the lower portion of the control handle to assist in retaining the attachment on the handle in service, and when the attachment is in storage on a panel board, to assist in the retaining of the attachment from tilting about the pin or projection which extends into the peg board opening.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved safety attachment for control handles to provide notice and warning regarding the status of equipment controlled by respective handles.

An object of the invention is the provision of a safety attachment for control handles according to the foregoing object, Which is configurated and adapted to serve its purpose on a variety of control handles of different configurations.

' It is an object of the invention to provide an improved safety attachment according to the foregoing objects,

which is adapted for suspension on control handles in such manner that an operator is warned by the sense of touch alone.

An object of the invention is the provision of a safety attachment according to the foregoing object, which is structurally .adapted for retention on a control handle in a loose free manner to provide an operator with a char acteristic loose feel to the sense of touch to provide a warning.

It is an object of the invention to provide asafety attachment according to the foregoing objects wherein visual warning is provided by an appropriate legend on a face panel of the attachment.

An object of this invention is the provision of an improved safety attachment according to certain of the foregoing objects, which is simplified and economical of fabrication.

An object of the invention is the provision of an improved safety attachment for control handles wherein means are provided for organized storage and ready selection by provision of improved means for suspension on a pegboard.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those versed in the art from a consideration of the following description, the appended claims and the accompanying drawing, wherein: FIGURE 1 is a partial perspective view of an electrical power control panel, showing illustrative control handles of different configurations, with a safety attachment according to the invention suspended or retained on each handle;

FIGURE 2 is a sectional view taken at line 2-2 in FIGURE 1, showing the safety attachment of the invention retained on a conventional type of control handle, the control handle being shown in phantom outline;

FIGURE 3 is a sectional view taken at line 22 in FIGURE 2, showing the attachment of the invention retained and suspended on a second type of control handle, the control handle being shown in phantom outline;

FIGURE 4 is a sectional view taken at line 44 in FIGURE 1, showing the attachment retained and suspended on a third and generally circular control handle;

FIGURE 5 is a rear elevational view of the safety attachment shown in FIGURES 2, 3 and 4;

FIGURE 6 is a partial perspective view showing the safety attachment of the invention suspended in storage on a peg board; and

FIGURE 7 is a side elevational view, taken at line 7-7 in FIGURE 6, showing the safety attachment of FIGURES 2 through 5 in cooperative relationship with a peg board during storage of the safety attachment.

Referring to the drawing, FIGURE 1 shows a portion of a control panel or console on which are mounted cover plates 12, 14, and 16, for switch mechanisms (not shown). Associated with each control panel and switch are a pair of signal lamps, the respective lamps being shown at 18, 20, and Z2, 24, and 26, 28. Extending from switch plate 12 is a stem 32 on which is mounted a control handle 34 which has the conventional configuration shown in phantom outline in FIGURE 2. EX- tending from switch plate 14 is a similar stern on which is mounted a control handle 36 of a different configuration, this handle being of a well known pistol grip configuration,- as shown in phantom outline in FIGURE 3. A stem 4! extends from the switch plate 16, and carries a control handle of the generally circular knob type, as shown in phantom outline in FIGURES 4 and 1. These control handle shapes are illustrative of the general utility and practical usage of the safety attachment of the invention, although the attachment is useful with various other types of control handles.

On each of the control handles 34, 36, 42. there is suspended a safety attachment 50 according to the invention.

The safety attachment St} is shown in detail in FIG- URES'Z through 7. The attachment or safety device is preferably provided with a flat outwardly facing face panel 52 which bears a warning legend, such as Men At Work or Power On, as indicated in FIGURE 1. A suspension portion or suspension bracket 54 is provided at the upper rear of the face panel 52, and is best shown in FIGURES 5 and 7. The suspension portion or bracket preferably has the form of the upwardly tapering and generally curved hanging bracket shown, which is generally o'give-shaped, and which has laterally and downwardly extending curved wing portions 56 and 58. As shown, these wing portions have their lower end portion spaced apart a distance which is greater than the transverse dimension of the handle, for a purpose which is hereinafter'described. Extending across the upper part of the suspension portion or bracket 54 is a transverse holding flange or plate 62, the lower edge of which preferably has the upwardly curved configuration indicated at 64. A projection or pin 66 extends rearwardly from the top or apex of the ogive-shaped suspension portion or bracket 54-. As shown in FIGURES S and 7, this pin has a downward inclination or slant, for a purpose hereinafter mentioned. From the lower rear surface of the face panel 52 extend two pins 72, 74, which are spaced apart and which extend outwardly from the face panel to approximately the same distance as the suspension bracket 54. I

The safety attachment may be fabricated of any of various materials; it may preferably be fabricated by being molded integrally of an appropriate plastic, thereby effecting economy of fabrication in quantity.

In service, the safety attachment St i suspended or retained on control handle in the manner indicated in FIGURES 2 through 4. The control handle 34 shown in phantom outline in FIGURES 2 and l'is of a well known configuration wherein the upper portion is rounded and a downwardly extending portion extends below the shaft on which the handle is mounted. The suspension portion or bracket 54 rests atop the handle. The transverse holding flange or plate 64 engages the rear or inward shoulder of the handle to assist in retaining the marker on the handle. The pins '72. and '74 are disposed on opposite sides of the lower portion of the handle, and each is spaced from the handle.

From the foregoing description and from the geometry of parts, it will be observed and understood that the safety attachment is suspended from or retained on the control handle in such a manner that it is free for some degree of lateral swinging movement, and that its lower portion is free for limited inward and outward movement. It will be understood that the attachment is also free for some limited pivotal or twisting movement about its vertical axis. It will therefore be appreciated that upon the grasping of the handle and safety attachment by an operator, the operator is immediately made aware by the loose free movement of the safety attachment 50 relative to the handle that he is grasping something besides the handle itself, and he is thereby immediately warned to exercise caution. An effective warning and notice is thereby given to the operator, even under circumstances where no visual warning is given to him, as in darkness or when the operator grasps the handle prior to or without looking at it.

FIGURE 3 shows the safety attachment 50 suspended on a handle 36 of the well-known pistol grip type. Because this type of handle has no rear or inward shoulder, such as that of the handle of FIGURE 2, a notch 78 is preferably cut in the upper portion of the handle to receive the transverse holding flange 62 of the attachment. The attachment is thereby retained against slipping or sliding off of the handle, or from being accidentally brushed or knocked off from the handle.

In FIGURE 4, the safety attachment 50 is shown suspended on a control handle 42 of the conventional circular knob type. The ogive configuration of the suspension portion 54 of the attachment is well adapted to suspend the attachment on a handle of this type.

From the foregoing description, it will be appreciated that the safety attachment 5% provides a high degree of versatility in a single structure, in that it is adapted for suspension on different types of control handles. Its structural features provide for its loose suspension on a control handle, thereby providing a characteristic loose feel to the hand of an operator, in order to provide a warning and notice. The suspension portion 54 is uniquely advantageous in providing for this type of suspension on various types of control handles. The pins 72, 74 serve to assist in retaining the attachment on the handle, by preventing too wide lateral movement, while permitting limited lateral movement to provide the desired loose suspension of the attachment on the handle.

When not in service, a plurality of the safety attachments may be conveniently suspended on a peg board in the manner illustrated in FIGURES 6 and 7. The projection or pin as is adapted to engage in a hole or opening in the peg board. It is inclined relative to the retaining'plate 62 to provide improved engagement in the peg board hole. When the pin or projection is pushed into the peg board hole, it provides an effective hook by virtue of this angular inclination. As indicated in FIGURE 7, a wedging action is effected wherein opposite portions along the length of the projection 66 are urged against the opening wall. It will be observed that the rearmost portion of the projection or pin 66 extends somewhat below the rear edge of the peg board opening, thereby further assisting in preventing the attachment from falling or being vibrated from the peg board. As indicated in FIGURE 7, the two pins '72, 74 extend from the face panel of the attachment to engage'the peg board, thereby preventing inward tilting of the lower portion of the safety attachment and tending to prevent disengagement of the pin or projection 66 from the peg board opening. Means are thereby provided for the convenient and organized storage of a plurality of the safety attachments on a peg board, and for the ready removal of a particular safety attachment for use.

From the foregoing, those versed in the art will observe that the invention achieves the objects and realizes the advantages hereinbefore mentioned, as well as other advantages Which will be apparent from the detailed description.

Although a specific embodiment of the present invention has been illustrated and described herein, it will be understood that the same is merely exemplary of presently preferred embodiments capable of attaining the objects and advantages hereinbefore mentioned, and that the invention is not limited thereto; variations will be readily apparent to those versed in the art, and the invention is entitled to the broadestinterpretation within the terms of the appended claims.

The inventor claims:

1. A safety attachment adapted for use on control han dles of different configurations to warn operators of the status of equipment controlled by the handles, said safety attachment comprising a face portion covering the main body of the control handle, an upper suspension portion having an upwardly tapering generally curved suspension bracket adapted to engage the upper portion of a control handle, said suspension bracket having laterally and downwardly extending wing portions spaced apart a distance greater than the transverse dimension of a handle, and a transverse retaining flange on the suspension portion to engage a shoulder of the upper portion of the control handle to assist in retaining the safety attachment on the handle, whereby free loose movement of the safety attachment relative to the handle is allowed, whereby upon the grasping of the handle by an operator, the free loose movement of the attachment relative to the control handle provides a warning to the operator that the safety attachment is being grasped and not the control handle alone, thereby giving notice and warning to the operator.

2. A safety attachment adapted for use on control handles of different configuration to warn operators of the status of equipment controlled by the handles, said safety attachment comprising a face portion covering the main body of the control handle, an upper suspension portion having an upwardly tapering generally curved suspension bracket adapted to engage the upper portion of a control handle, said suspension bracket having laterally and downwardly extending wing portions spaced apart a distance greater than the transverse dimension of a handle, whereby free loose movement of the safety attachment relative to the handle is allowed, whereby upon the grasping of the handle by an operator, the free loose movement of the attachment relative to the control handle provides a warning to the operator that the safety attachment is being grasped and not the control handle alone, thereby giving notice and warning to the operator, and a pin extending rearwardly from said upper suspension portion to adapt the device to be suspended from an opening in a peg board when not in service.

3. A safety attachment according to claim 2 and further including a pair of transversely spaced pins extending rearwardly from the face portion to engage said peg board to prevent inward tilting of the lower portion of the attachment, thereby tending to prevent disengagement of said pin from the opening in the peg board.

4-. A safety attachment adapted for use on control handles of different configurations to warn operators of the status of equipment controlled by the handles, said safety attachment comprising a face portion covering the main body of the control handle, an upper suspension portion having an upwardly tapering generally curved suspension bracket adapted to engage the upper portion of a control handle, said suspension bracket having laterally and downwardly extending wing portions spaced apart a distance greater than the transverse dimension of a handle, and a pair of transversely spaced pins extending rearwardly from the face portion and adapted to be positioned on opposite sides of the lower portion of a control handle to retain the lower portion of the attachment from lateral movement sufficient to disengage the attachment from the handle, whereby free loose movement of the safety attachment relative to the handle is allowed, whereby upon the grasping of the handle by an operator, the free loose movement of the attachment relative to the control handle provides a warning to the operator that the safety attachment is being grasped and not the control handle alone, thereby giving notice and warning to the operator.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,838,064 6/58 Schieberl 292-347 LOUIS J. CAPOZI, Primary Examiner. LEO SMILOW, Examiner. 

1. A SAFETY ATTACHMENT ADAPTED FOR USE ON CONTROL HANDLES OF DIFFERENT CONFIGURATIONS TO WARN OPERATORS OF THE STATUS OF EQUIPMENT CONTROLLED BY THE HANDLES, SAID SAFETY ATTACHMENT COMPRISING A FACE PORTION COVERING THE MAIN BODY OF THE CONTROL HANDLE, AN UPPER SUSPENSION PORTION HAVING AN UPWARDLY TAPERING GENERALLY CURVED SUSPENSION BRACKET ADAPTED TO ENGAGE THE UPPER PORTION OF A CONTROL HANDLE, SAID SUSPENSION BRACKET HAVING LATERALLY AND DOWNWARDLY EXTENDING WING PORTIONS SPACED APART A DISTANCE GREATER THAN THE TRANSVERSE DIMENSION OF A HANDLE, AND A TRANSVERSE RETAINING FLANGE ON THE SUSPENSION POR TION TO ENGAGE A SHOULDER OF THE UPPER PORTION OF THE CONTROL HANDLE TO ASSIST IN RETAINING THE SAFETY ATTACHMENT ON THE HANDLE, WHEREBY FREE LOOSE MOVEMENT OF THE SAFETY ATTACHMENT RELATIVE TO THE HANDLE IS ALLOWED, WHEREBY UPON THE GRASPING OF THE HANDLE BY AN OPERATOR, THE FREE LOOSE MOVEMENT OF THE ATTACHMENT RELATIVE TO THE CONTROL HANDLE PROVIDES A WARNING TO THE OPERATOR THAT THE SAFETY ATTACHMENT IS BEING GRASPED AND NOT THE CONTROL HANDLE ALONE, THEREBY GIVING NOTICE AND WARNING TO THE OPERATOR. 